Minister Announces Advisory Support For Chch Education

Hon Hekia Parata
Minister of Education

15 November 2012 Media Statement

Minister Announces Advisory Support For Education Renewal In Greater Christchurch

Education Minister Hekia Parata has today announced the appointment of Karen Sewell as an advisor and the membership of the three advisory boards, who will continue to engage with greater Christchurch on the Government’s education renewal programme.

Former principal and Secretary for Education Karen Sewell will work directly with school communities to ensure their concerns and aspirations are being heard.

“I am delighted that Ms Sewell has been appointed to this role. Her in-depth knowledge of the education system and strong relationships with the sector will be invaluable, ’’ says Ms Parata.

“Ms Sewell will provide independent advice to me as I consider schools’ proposals. Her focus will be getting the best outcomes for children.’’

Ms Sewell will report directly to Ms Parata and the Secretary for Education Lesley Longstone. The role will operate until the end of 2013.

Ms Parata also announced the members of the three advisory boards who will provide on-going community input and expertise to the renewal process.

“The three boards: the Education Advisory Board, Mātauraka Mahaanui – the Waitaha Advisory Board, and the Pasifika Advisory Board, bring together representatives from education and community organisations whom all have a high level of expertise and understanding of the needs of priority learners and different communities in greater Christchurch. They will provide expert advice on the renewal programme.’’

Today’s announcements follow the Ministry of Education’s appointment of Christchurch Boys’ High School Headmaster, Trevor McIntyre, as an executive advisor to the greater Christchurch Education Renewal Programme.

“On-going community engagement and detailed discussions with schools and other education services and bodies will be a key feature of the work ahead,’’ Ms Parata says.

“We want to get this right and achieve the best education for the children of Christchurch.’’

Note to editors

Education Advisory Board:
Graeme Daniel, Principal, Allenvale Special School, Tony Deavoll, Chairman, Shirley Boys’ High School Board of Trustees, Bernard Duncan, member of St. Bede’s College Board of Trustees, Ruth Jones, Chair, Workbridge, and member of CERA Community Forum, Patrick O’Connor, Director, PEETO, the multi-cultural learning centre, Jocelyn Wright, Early Years professional development facilitator, CORE Education. Trevor Beaton, ex-Principal, Cobham Intermediate School, Simon Leese, Headmaster, Christ’s College, Graeme McNally, Chair, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Mike Nolan, Manager, Catholic Education Office (Christchurch), Lynne Harata Te Aika, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga & Educationalist (Waitaha representative), Elizabeth Brown, Te Taumutu Rūnanga & Educationalist (Waitaha representative). Pasifika representation to be appointed.

Mātauraka Mahaanui – the Waitaha Advisory Board:
Lynne Harata Te Aika, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga & Educationalist, Elizabeth Brown, Te Taumutu Rūnanga & Educationalist, Hector Matthews, Executive Director, Māori &Pacific Health at the CDHB, Tui Summers, NZ College of Early Childhood, Catherine Stuart, Māori Community Representative, Eruera Tarena, Māori Community Representative, Te Maire Tau, Maata Waka Representative, Raewin Tipene-Clarke, He Kākano Leadership programme.

Pasifika Advisory Board:
Ataga’i Esera QSM, founder member and treasurer of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A, a Pacific Women’s community organisation, Tufuga Lagatule ONZM, cultural advisor to the Ministry of Social Development and Child, Youth and Family, Pauline Luafutu–Simpson, Pacific Advisor for Postgraduate and International students, University of Canterbury, Reverend Fitifiti Luatua, elder Minister in the Pacific Island Presbyterian Church, Ruta McKenzie, national executive member for the Sosaiete Aoga Amata Samoa i Aotearoa Incorporated (SAASIA), Poe Kairua, at Kidsfirst Portsmouth St Kindergarten, Aranui, Tony Fakahau, CEO, Pacific Trust Canterbury, Leali’ie’e Tufulasi Taleni, President, Christchurch Pasifika Teachers Association, Mamaitaloa Sagapolutele, Rowley Avenue School, Ali’imuamua Sia Batcheler, President, Christchurch Association for Samoan language teachers, Maria Frew, Opawa School, Leatuavao Pelenato Petelo, Komiti Pasifika national executive member, Post Primary Teachers’ Association, Maria Lemalie, Christchurch Pasifika Cultural Festival, Earl Simpson, South Island Manager, Whanau Ora (Pasifika) at Pacific Trust Canterbury, Sam Uta’i, South Island representative, Association of Pacific Staff in Tertiary Education, Liz Keneti, Pacific Development Team Leader, University of Canterbury, Siale Faitotonu, Programme Supervisor for Tongan Study Support Centre, University of Canterbury, Riki Welsh, Pacific Projects Co-ordinator, University of Canterbury, Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, Director for the Office of Pacific Excellence, University of Canterbury, Amanaki Misa, South Island Manager, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.

Please note additional members may be appointed to these boards in the coming weeks. The terms of reference for Ms Sewell’s position and each of the advisory boards are available at www.shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz

ENDS

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